Superheroes

The past month and a half has been highly emotional, regarding the latest hostage deal. We have cried tears of joy watching hostages return to their families, but have also felt immense heartbreak for the families who won’t get to reunite. As a community that cares so deeply, we find ourselves in this sickening situation, overjoyed by the release of captives that never should have been taken in the first place. So we do what we do best–recognize the strength and resilience of those we can, and celebrate that with all our might. 

Liri Albag, Naama Levy, Daniella Gilboa, Karina Ariev (all held hostage for 447 days), and Agam Berger (held hostage for 482 days) are the superheroes of our time. We are in awe and so proud of their willingness to stay alive–for themselves, for their families, for the world. Let’s take a moment to recognize what life was like before their capture, and what their return home looked like. 

Liri Albag was age 18 when kidnapped from Israel. She was serving as a surveillance soldier on the Nahal Oz base. She had just completed her basic training and reported to base only two days before her capture. She had grown up loving music and singing. Her friends and family know her as strong and optimistic, and able to find beauty in everything. She was released on January 25, 2025, and spent her 20th birthday recovering in the hospital with the three other girls released that day. Amit Soussana, a hostage released in November 2023, says that Liri saved her life by convincing Hamas militants that she was not an IDF officer. On her first instagram post from home, Liri wrote, “The people of Israel, I want to thank you again for all your support, love and help.” The heart-hands she held up from the airplane serves as a symbol of her strength. 

Naama Levy was age 19 when captured. She is part of the border observation unit for the IDF, and had just finished her basic training before October 7th. On October 5, 2023, she reported to the Nahal Oz base, where she was brutally kidnapped two days later. Naama believes that there is so much good in all people. She is a part of the “Hands of Peace” organization, which brings young Americans, Israelis, and Palestinians together for social action and change. She looks forward to a career that involves diplomacy. On January 25, 2025, Naama returned to Israel and embraced her parents in a gigantic hug. Naama says that “friends, observers, and civilians” gave her the “hope and strength” to survive. 

Daniella Gilboa was age 19 when taken hostage. She was also an observation soldier at Nahal Oz base, from which she was kidnapped on October 7th. She is a lover of music and hopes to become a professional singer. One of her favorite things to do at home is play the piano while harmonizing with her sister. Hamas forced Daniella to fake her own death in captivity as a means of psychological warfare. Upon release on January 25, 2025, her boyfriend of eight years proposed to her. Daniella remarks, “thank you to the people who for a year and three months supported my family, did not give up, or lose hope for a moment.” 

Karina Ariev was age 19 when captured. She too was in the surveillance unit and taken from the Nahal Oz base on October 7th. She is known to always offer a helping hand, and embrace others with her gentle heart. She is looking forward to studying and pursuing psychology in the future. After her return to Israel on January 25, 2025, she went with her family to replace posters calling for her release with posters urging to bring home the remaining hostages. In a statement, Karina said, “From now on, beyond my recovery and return to life, my journey will include commemorating my fellow female soldiers, my commanders, operations officers, and the brave men and women who fell in battle at the Nahal Oz post where I served. I will fight for justice and truth alongside the families.”

Agam Berger was age 19 when kidnapped. She served as a communications lookout at the Nahal Oz base. She was captured on October 7th, along with the other four girls. She is a talented violinist and dedicated volunteer. She works with children with learning disabilities and other struggles at home. Agam was released on February 4th, 2025. She hugged and cried with her parents upon returning to Israel, and later celebrated with Liri, Naama, Daniella, and Karina. She recalls being given a siddur during captivity, and using prayer as a source of strength. Agam says, “I don’t know how I would have survived without my faith. In the end, that’s what gave me hope.”

Liri, Naama, Daniella, Karina, and Agam–your stories are the pride and joy of Israel and Jews worldwide. May you be surrounded by friends and family, and continue living fulfilling lives.